Fairfax County, Virginia — Blackboard, a pioneer in education technology, announced today it will relocate its global headquarters to Fairfax County.

The company currently has office space in the Plaza America mixed-use development in Reston, and will shift its headquarters to Reston from Washington, D.C., this year, the company said.

“We are excited to bring our Metro D.C. area workforce together into a new global headquarters in the vibrant Northern Virginia tech corridor,” said Blackboard Chairman, CEO and President Bill Ballhaus. “The new office space offers a rich and dynamic environment for our employees as well as convenient access to dining and shopping and easy access to major commuter routes, public transportation and Dulles International Airport. We look forward to establishing our new global headquarters as a part of the Northern Virginia tech community.”

Blackboard said that by consolidating its Washington-area workforce in one central tech hub, it will create a work environment “that will continue to fuel a culture of creativity, innovation and collaboration.”

“We are delighted that Blackboard chose Fairfax County for its global headquarters and will expand its footprint here,” said Catherine W. Riley, interim president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. “Blackboard has long been a leader in education technology and the decision to be based in Northern Virginia’s preeminent technology corridor is additional confirmation of the value of Fairfax County for innovative companies from across the technology spectrum.”

Blackboard has more than 20 locations across North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Time magazine called Fairfax County “one of the great economic success stories of our time.” Business growth and innovation help Fairfax County fund the nation’s top-rated school system and other public services that contribute to the quality of life of residents. Fairfax County offers businesses a state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure, access to global markets through Washington Dulles International Airport, a vibrant investment capital community and a highly skilled, well-educated workforce.

The award-winning Fairfax County Economic Development Authority promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. The FCEDA offers site location and business development assistance, and connections with county and state government agencies, to help companies locate and expand in Fairfax County. In addition to its headquarters in Tysons Corner, Fairfax County’s largest business district, the FCEDA maintains marketing offices in six important global business centers: Bangalore, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Seoul and Tel Aviv. Follow the FCEDA on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.